Try bicycle riding again

John F. Kennedy once said, "There is no greater joy than that of riding a bicycle."

Riding a bicycle is something many of us learned as a child and some of us continued into adulthood. When was the last time you rode a bike?

If you recently attempted to ride a bicycle again, and it was some time since your last ride, you may have felt surprised that you innately remembered the skill -- your balance was there, you stayed upright, and it was fun.

If not, then hopefully you were wearing gloves and a helmet and will try again.

For some, bicycling may be a more realistic consideration if we change the way we view bicyclists and the purpose of bicycling.

A recent forum for Women and Bicycling in Pittsburgh provided the funny realization that as adults, we are not all Middle Aged Men In Lycra.

As adults, our view of bicycling has somehow shifted from bluejeans and a T-shirt, heading to a friend's house, the convenience store or school -- to that of spandex-clad racers, in odd-shaped helmets. Bicycling and the bicyclist are so much more.

Take for instance a female professional in Erie who frequently drives to work with her bicycle in the back of her vehicle.

She is certainly not a MAMIL, and she identifies herself as an urban, casual bicyclist. But she is more than that. She is a mother, a wife, a friend, and she cares about the community.

On days when the weather is nice, she pedals to the deli for a sandwich. A midday break getting fresh air, physical activity, and taking in the sights and sensations of the community is good for everyone's body and mind. It helps to put things into perspective and provides for an invigorated return to the office.

Several other folks who bicycle in the community confirm that some of their best creative ideas or solutions to problems present themselves on a bicycle ride.

A 30-minute bicycle ride is great cardiovascular activity, and it feels like fun. Most of us would agree that any form of active transportation is better for mental health than sitting in a car road raging, and the positive mental health benefits include: improved mood, a positive attitude and a positive deterrent of depression.

Yes, bicycling is an excellent form of exercise, a cost-effective commute, great for the mind and friendly to the environment.

Still, according to a research study conducted in Portland, Ore., the League of American Bicyclists reports that more than 55 percent of us fall into the category of interested, but concerned when it comes to riding a bicycle for their daily commute. Another 30 percent say, "No way, no how."

The best course of action is to make your own decision. After all, as Albert Einstein once said, "Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to maintain your balance, you must keep moving."

Kimberly Beers is coordinator for the Safe and Healthy Communities Program at the Erie County Department of Health.